19 November, 2007

Hertel Group set to expand into Russia and Asia with IFS Applications

IFS, the global applications company, today announced that international industrial, defense and offshore services company, the Hertel Group, will expand its use of IFS Applications. The contract includes license fees for an additional 250 users in the UK, Germany and Benelux, implementation and support as well as options covering Asia and Russia, in line with plans to grow its business.

Hertel currently has 725 users of IFS Applications. The company plans to bring the total up to a minimum of 1,100 users of IFS Applications around the world by the end of 2009. This expansion of IFS Applications fully supports Hertel’s growth and IT consolidation strategy. IFS coverage will ensure local support is available worldwide—including the Middle East, Russia, Thailand, China and Australia.

“Hertel’s growth strategy focuses on expansion into non-European countries, and we need local support in each country. IFS has proven itself in Hertel Europe and it is clear that it is the right partner for us to support our ongoing growth,” CFO at Hertel Group, Ton Louwers said. “IFS Applications is dynamic, future-orientated and, through the company’s global coverage and support, ensures we are working with a partner equipped with the right capabilities. The technology is very flexible and will make it easier for us to expand our business into new and emerging markets.”

“The continued investment in the software and its vertical functionality, as well as its open nature, makes us confident our IFS software infrastructure is capable of growing alongside our business. Demand for industrial facilities management is increasing, and each project is unique. The project focus at the core of IFS Applications ensures each customer project we run, no matter how large or small, remains focused on delivering on time and on budget,” Louwers said.

“Hertel is well-known for delivering professional and high-quality execution of complex projects. Its success and continued growth presents a unique set of opportunities—and IFS Applications is well placed to support Hertel as it looks to standardize its infrastructure,” Managing Director, IFS Benelux, Nico van Heuven said.

The construction, contracting and service management industry is one of IFS’ targeted vertical market segments. The company offers a complete integrated business solution that manages the entire lifecycle—from contract and project to assets and services. With IFS Applications, companies can support and improve business processes by collaborating more closely with suppliers, subcontractors, operators and customers. IFS Applications includes functionality for contract and project management, risk management, budgeting and forecasting, engineering and manufacturing, supply chain management, document management and service and maintenance management all integrated with financials and HR. Existing IFS customers in the construction and contracting sector include First Engineering, Banverket, Alan Dick, Doosan Babcock, Biwater, Hertel, Heerema Group, Grenland Group and Harland and Wolff.